Stamp-affixer.



B. D. S'TRAIGHT.

STAMP AFPIXER.

APPLICATION IILED 11116.16, 1911.

1,021,218. Patented Mar.26, 1912.

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B. D. STRAIGHT.

STAMP ,AFIIXBR.

APPLICATION nun AUG.15, 1911.

Patented Mar. 26, 1912.

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' B. D. STRAIGHT.

STAMP AFFIXER.

APPLICATION FILED AUG. 15, 1911.

Patented Mar. 26, 1912.

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awuento'a WU-Mmoeo mq v Q W UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

BENNETT D. STRAIGHT, OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO MULTIPOST COMPANY, OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

STAMP-AFFDCER.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that LBENNETT D. STRAIGHT, of Rochester, in the county of Monroe and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Stamp- Aflixers; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and to the reference-numerals marked thereon.

My present invention relates to machines for applying stamps or labels to various articles, and particularly for affixing postage stamps to mail matter, in which the stamps or labels may be inserted in a continuous strip and successively discharged therefrom, and it has for its object to provide means for preventing the unauthorized and surreptitious removal of the stamps.

My invention also comprehends an arresting or locking mechanism which will render the movable parts of the machine inoperative in the event an unauthorized attempt is made to extract stamps from the machine in any other manner than by the action of the feeding mechanism.

The invention further comprehends the association of the locking or arresting devices in conjunction with the movable stamp container and guideway secured in place by a key look so that when the machine has been locked by the unauthorized attempt to withdraw the stamps the parts cannot be released for subsequent operation until the machine. is presented to the proper authorized person who can open the machine and restore the parts to their normal positions.

To these and other ends the invention consists in certain improvements and combinations of parts, all as will be hereinafter more fully described, the novel features being pointed out in the claims at the end of the specification.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a central vertical sectional view; Fig. 2 is a front elevation showing the interior of the machine with the stamp holder removed; Fig. 3 is a detail View of the stamp container and stamp guideway removed from the machine Figs. 4. and 5 are enlarged detail views, partly in section, illustrating the construction and operation of those parts employed for arresting the stamp strip and locking the machine when Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed August 15, 1911.

Patented Mar. 26, 1912.

Serial No. 644,238.

an attempt is made to extract or withdraw the free end of the stamp strip; Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail View of the stamp guideway showing the stamp arresting devices in their normal position; Fig. 7 is a similar view showing the parts in one position of operation when actuated by a tension or pull on the stamp strip; Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7, illustrating the manner in which the element which looks the machine against further operation is brought into action by pulling the stamp strip; Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view taken on the line 9"-9" of Fig. 4; Fig. 10 is a detail sectional view taken on the line 10"-10" of Fig. 3; Fig. 11 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 1l"-11" of Fig. 1, illustrating the spring clip on which the stamp roll is supported, and Fig. 12 is a detail sectional view of the plunger head or affixing member. Fig. 13 is the detail view of the retaining spring on the carriage; Fig. 14: is a sectional View taken on the line I E--14 of Fig. 2, showing in side elevation the stop frame 48.

Similar reference numerals in the several figures indicate similar parts.

The afiixing machine illustrated to show one embodiment of my invention comprises generally a frame composed of side pieces 1 and 2 mounted on a base 3 and connected at their rear edges with a wall 4, which also forms the top of the frame and is provided with an aperture located centrally above the aperture in the base through which the aflix ing member projects when applying a stamp to an article. The aflixing member, indicated by 5, is in the form of a head or plunger attached to the lower end of a rectangular shaft 6 provided at its upper extremity with an operating handle or knob 7. Extending transversely through the lower end of the shaft is a pin 8, the ends of which are guided in parallel slots 9 in the side pieces 1 and 2 of the frame. Coil springs 10 are disposed at opposite sides of the shaft 6 and are connected to the top of the frame and to the plunger 5 for retracting the latter, as shown in Fig. 1.

At the forward side of the plunger is arranged the stamp container 11 with its guideway by means of which the stamps or labels are fed from the roll 12 into position in front of the affixing member 5. The container is made in the form of a ring closed at one edge by the bottom 13, which ring is received in a cut away portion 2 in the side piece 2 of the frame, the open side of the ring facing against and being closed 5by the segmental shaped ear 1 on the side piece 1, the latter, as well as the bottom 13 of the container, being perforated so that the quantity of stamps in the container may readily be determined. The stamp roll 12 is coiled and an aperture is provided at its center so that it may be slipped over a spring clip 14 journaled on the stud 15, arranged centrally within the container. The spring clip 14 fits the central aperture of the stamp 15 roll and is formed of a piece of spring metal perforated at its center to receive the end of the stud and having the side pieces provided with the overlapping ends 14 which are ,slotted to fit the reduced portion or neck on the stud, said slots permitting the arms of the clip to be moved relatively toward each other.

The stamp guideway, which will be described more fully hereinafter, extends downwardly from the container 11 between the sides 17 and 18 of a leg or extension which fits between the sides 1 and 2 of the frame. (Figs. 3 and 9). The extension is closed by a back-piece 19 and arranged therein is a key operated lock 20 having a bolt 21 engaging a shoulder in the base 3 of the machine for preventing the removal of the stamp holder, the latter being also retained at its upper end by hooks 22 on the ring 11 cooperating with the shoulder 23 at the inside of the top of the frame. The discharge end of the stamp guide-way is located near the base 3 abutting the bar or cutter 24 rigidly supported on the frame and which cooperates with the shearing edge 25 on the plunger 5.

Arranged at the side of the path of the afiixing member opposite to that occupied by the stamp guideway is a receptacle or chamber 26 containing water, in the event the stamps or labels are gummed, although mucilage or other adhesive material might be employed therein. In the inner wall of the chamber at its lower end is provided a plurality of fine orifices 27 arranged to direct the liquid discharged from the chamber across the path of the afiixing member 5 at a point beneath the open end of the stamp guideway, so that a spray will be deposited on the article to which the stamp is to be affixed before the latter is severed from the strip. The means for ejecting fluid through the orifices comprises a horizontally reciprocating piston 28 connected to a piston rod 29 and having on its face a strip of packing which normally closes the inner ends of the orifices to prevent leakage therethrough. A leaf spring 30 is attached to the outer end of the piston 29 and at its upper end is connected, as indicated at 31, to the top of the receptacle 26 and at about the center of the spring is provided an inclined cam surface 32. A latch connection is formed between the atfixing member and the spring by providing in the plunger 5 a pawl 33 pivoted in a recess and capable of movement in but one direction, said pawl being normally held in operative position by a leaf spring 34, as shown in Fig. 12. To facilitate the construction and assembling of these parts, the lower face of the plunger is removable and cemented thereon is a pad of rubber or other yielding material 5*, which engages the stamp and serves to press it firmly in engagement with the article to which it is to be attached. The cooperative relationship of the pawl 33 and the cam surface 32 is such that during the downward movement of the plunger 5, the pawl rides over the cam to compress the spring 30 and as it disen- 5 gages the cam the spring is allowed to impart a sudden movement, or snap, to the piston 2S, and upon the return movement of the affixing member the pawl will rotate on its pivot and thus pass the cam projection without actuating the spring 30. The cam 32 is located in such a position that the movement of the piston occurs in timed relation to the feeding and severing of the stamp, its release occurring just previous to the cutting off of the stamp. A filling aperture is provided in the rear wall of the receptacle, and is closed by the screw plug 25.

The mechanism. for feeding the stamp strip advances the latter step by step to pro j ect a single stamp across the cutter 24 into the path of the affixing member 5 upon each reciprocation of the latter. This mechanism comprises a reciprocatory carriage provided with feeding fingers 43 projecting into the stamp guideway and cooperating with the stamp strip. Movement is imparted to the carriage to cause it to travel the distance required to properly feed the stamp during the movement of the afiixing member in one direction, by means of a locking device securing these parts together which is automatically tripped to release the carriage when its required movement has been effected. The carriage is also provided with a locking device which performs the function of securing the feeding mechanism in inoperative position, and also holding-the affixing member in its projected position 120 closing the aperture in the base, and effectually preventing access to the stamps when the .machine is not in use. This means of locking the parts is capable ofbeing actuated at any time during the operation of the machine, but it is so arranged that it cannot be released until the stamp container and its connected guideway are removed by the proper person possessing the key for releasing the lock 20.

The shaft 6 is preferably made rectangular in cross-section and the carriage of the feeding mechanism comprises a sleeve 36 which is-independently movable longitudinally on the shaft, but prevented from rotary movement by the shape of the parts. At the forward side of the sleeve are projecting wings 37 supporting a rod 38 on which is pivoted a latch member having a hook end 39 normally pressed toward the shaft 6 by the spring 40. The end of the latch 39 forms a pawl which engages a shallow notch or recess 41 (Figs. 1, t and 5), in the side of the shaft 6 near its lower end. The upward movement of the carriage 36 is limited by the stop or projection 42 which engages the top of the frame when the carriage is moved upwardly by the allixing member, and when in this position the notch fill alines with the pawl 39 so that upon the downward movement of the affixing member the carriage travels therewith.

It is important in a machine of this character that the stamp strip be fed an exact distance according to the length of the stamps or labels printed on the strip so that the severing of the strip occurring upon the downward movement of the affixing member will occur each time between successive stamps. This is particularly true when the machine is employed for atlixing postage stamps; otherwise if there is any variance in the feeding of sucessive stamps it would then be necessary to frequently justify the position of the stamp strip to prevent cutting off pieces of unequal length and thus destroy the stamps.

The stamp feeding mechanism further comprises a finger 43 on the carriage 36, preferably composed of a plurality of thin blades arranged side by side, as shown in Fig. 2, which are strung on a pin -14: arranged at one corner of the blades so that the ends of the latter form shoulders which cooperate with a resilient block of rubber 46. The latter is compressed between the ends of the fingers and an overhanging cap piece 47 on the carriage. These parts being arranged as illustrated permit independent movement to each of the blades composing the feeding finger 43 enabling them to antomatically adjust themselves to any irregularity of the stamp strip and permitting certain blades'to feel out and engage the perforations of the stamp strip as the feeding finger as a whole moves along the surface of the latter for a short distance at the commencement of its downward movement. All of the fingers being yieldingly supported some of them will always engage in the perforations irrespective of the position of the perforations in the strip or the exactness with which said strip may be centered in the guideway. The length or distance the stamp strip is projected from the guide is determined by the distance through which the feeding mechanism moves, and the latter is controlled by a strip or stop 48, which may be stationary on the frame, although it is preferably detachable to permit more convenient access to the interior of the machine, and also to facilitate its adjustment in the first instance. The trip or stop 48 is made in the form of a frame piece comprising the sides 4-8 at the upper ends of which are the laterally extending ears provided with slots cooperating with pins 48 with which the frame is held in contact by the engagement therewith of the ring of the stamp container when the latter is in operative position, as shown in Figs. 1,

4t and 5. The lower end of the stop frame rests against and is held in position by the short pins -18 projecting inwardly from the sides 1 and 2 of the main frame. This stop cooperates with the loweredge of the ears 37 and limits the downward movement of the carriage which, when arrested, causes the pawl 39 to be dragged out of the shallow recess 41 in the shaft 6, thus permitting the atlixing head or plunger 5 to be moved downward a short distance. Then, when the aflixing member is retracted by the coil springs 10, the carriage 36 is carried upwardly by reason of its frictional engagement with the shaft (3 until it is arrested by the stop 42 engaging the top of the frame, and the shaft 6 continuing to move upwardly will again bring the recess 41 into position to receive the pawl 39.

()n the upper end of the carriage is a spring finger 49 which is adapted to project through an aperture 50 in the top of the frame. The spring is undercut at its edges forming a narrow portion or tongue which may be deflected into a small recess or neck at one side of the aperture 50, and when it is held deflected by the operator will serve to temporarily retain the carriage in its uppermost position while the aflixing member may be projected to its lowermost position to close the aperture in the base 3, in which position it may be locked.

In the forward edge of the carriage is a small spring operated pin 51 adapted to engage a notch or recess 52 in the adjacentface of the shaft 6. The ailixing member when locked by the pin 51 is in projected position, its further movement in this direction being limited by the engagement of the pins 8 with the lower ends of the guide slots 9. The carriage 36 is also limited in its movement in the opposite direction by abutting against the top wall of the frame, and being firmly locked to the shaft 6 effectually prevents movement of the aflixing member, the latter then preventing access to the stamps in the guideway. The location of the stamp holder 11 in its guidcway at the front of the machine so that it normally renders the locking device or pin 51 inaccessible, will be seen to be a particularly advantageous arrangement of the parts, as it is necessary to displace or remove the holder before the pin can be withdrawn to release the affixing member for further operation, and these parts being locked the machine can only be released by the proper authority or owner of the machine.

In a machine of this character it is also desirable to prevent the removal of the stamps when the aflixing member is not looked, as above described, and during the time it is in actual use, and to this end a particular arrangement of elements comprising the guideway is provided, whereby any attempt to extract stamps by drawing the strip forwardly from the discharge end of the guideway will be thwarted and the machine effectually locked against further operation. In carrying out this feature of the invention the guideway leading from the stamp container is adapted to support the stamp stripin operative position relatively to the feeding devices and to direct the end of the strip, as it is advanced step by step into affixing position, in front of the affixing member or plunger 5, the guideway being, also, so arranged that a free portion of the stamp strip is provided between its extremity and the feeding device which may be displaced relatively to the guideway when tension is applied to the stamp strip by a pulling action exerted on its projecting end as will occur in the act of attempting to draw said strip forwardly, or in tearing off the outermost stamp. The means illustrated by which this object of the invention is accomplished consists in providing the guideway with a portion which is adapted to impart a normal curve to the stamp strip as the latter is projected or advanced lengthwise therein, so that in the event the strip is pulled at its free end in contradistinction to its being pushed forward by the feeding devices, it will be pulled out of its normal path or deflected, and by this very act the further progress of the stamp strip will be prevented. The guideway also includes a yielding member which cooperates with the stamp strip to cause it to follow continuously the normal curve imparted to it, but which will move when a slight strain is exerted on the free end of the strip. The deflecting of the strip in the guideway, occasioned in this manner, is sufficient to actuate the arresting member and locking device, which parts are so positioned relatively to the guideway that as the stamp strip traverses its normal path, by being pushed ahead by the feeding mechanism, it will freely pass outward, but when a strain is imparted thereto by an attempt to withdraw the stamp strip, such strain will cause the machine to be locked.

The guideway throughout a portion of its length extends in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the feeding mech; anism or fingers 43 so that during the down ward or advancing movement of the latter the strip may be fed forwardly a distance equal to the length of a single stamp, the guideway as a whole being of a sufficient length to cause a portion of the strip, equal to the length of two or more stamps, to be always projected or pushed ahead of the feeding devices. At its lower end the guide is curved for the purposes of directing the free end of the stamp strip to one side of or laterally to the direction of its feeding movement.

The preferred arrangemnt of the component elements of the stamp guideway employed for arrest-ing the movement of the stamp strip and locking the machine, is the one shown in detail in Figs. 6, 7 and 8, the guideway proper comprising a backing a depending from the stamp container 11 arranged beneath the outlet aperture therein, and for a portion of its length having longitudinally extending channels arranged at each side of the center, thus providing clamping surfaces a at its edges. Lightly bearing against the latter are shoes 6, b which are yieldingly supported by leaf springs 6 the upper ends of which are fixed to the wall of the ring or container 11. The upper ends of the shoes curve outwardly away from the backing a as indicated by b to provide a throat in which the end of the stamp strip may be readily inserted, but the lower ends of said shoes terminate at the point marking the commencement of the lateral curving of the end of the backing a, to the end that if the free end of the stamp strip is pulled forwardly the strain thereon imparted to the lower free ends of the shoes will cause them to be tilted slightly on their supporting springs, their upper ends creating friction on the stamp guide by clamping it against the ribs a. This, however, is not the only means relied upon to move the shoes to clamp the stamp strip, as will be further explained.

Pivoted on the inner faces of each of the side walls 17 and 18, between which the guideway is supported, are clamping levers 0, 0, each provided with a set screw a forming an adjustable abutment cooperating with small bosses or projections 0 on the shoes Z), I). The pivotal points on which these levers are connected are preferably arranged near their upper ends, thus providing each lever with a short upper end and a longer downwardly extending end, on which only a slight pressure is required in order to cause the set screws at their upper ends to bear against the clamping shoes and press them firmly against the stamp strip and the ribs a. The lever 0 carries at its upper end a projection or finger (Z, which, when the lever is in operated or set position as a result of the stamp strip having been pulled forwardly, projects into the path of a part of the stamp feeding mechanism, and in the present illustrations it is shown as arranged to cooperate with one of the wings 37 of the carriage, which latter is provided with a recess or notch (l, as shown in Fig. 5. The lever c is normally held in such a position on its pivot that the projection (Z stands at one side of the path of the part of the carriage with which it is designed to cooperate, it being held in this position by a light spring (P, as shownin Fig. 4. The finger (Z is preferably attached to the lever 0 by the set screw 0 and also by another set screw the body of which passes through an aperture of suiticient diameter to permit the finger to be rotated to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3. The slight pivotal movement thus afforded the finger (l permits the owner of the machine to move said finger laterally to the position shown in dotted line in Fig. 3, so that it will extend to one side of the path of the carriage, and will not, therefore, serve to lock the latter in the manner above described. This is desirable in some instances where the owner, of the machine 1s also the sole operator. Be-

neath the levers c, c in such a position as to bear lightly against the stamp strip, is a roller 6 provided at each end with pins journaled in the loops of the springs f, which extend upwardly and are attached to the shoes 5, b, beneath the springs I), which support said shoes. The springs f are given a normal tendency to move the roller 6 toward the backing a of the guide way and to hold it lightly in engagement with the stamp strip, thereby insuring that the latter will be caused to follow the curved portion of the guideway and normally lie in intimate engagement therewith while being projected or advanced by the feeding mechanism. The roller, however, being yieldingly supported on the spring arms f, may be easily moved to the position shown in Figs. 7 and 8 when the stamp strip is deflected by a strain imparted to its free end. This movement of the roller, under such circumstances is employed as a means for imparting a tilting movement to the levers c, 0, the lower end of the lever 0 being arranged to engage with one of the spring arms f while the arm 0 is similarly actuated but in a slightly different manner. The arm 0 is provided with means whereby when the roller 0 is moved out of its normal position and the lever is rocked on its pivot it is temporarily connected to the roller, so that when the roller is permitted to return by the relief of the strain imparted to the stamp strip the roller will carry said lever backwardly with it, rotating the lever in the opposite direction into the position shown in Fig. 5, for the purpose of locking the feeding mechanism of the machine against further operation. This inter --connection between the roller and the lever is brought about by providing a latch or interlocking connection between these parts, the roller having an axial projection cooperating with a shoulder h on a plate h attached to the lever c, said plate being also provided with a finger if, the lower edge of which is separated from the projection it a distance sufficient only to permit the pin 9 to pass between them. The slot formed between the projection h and the edge of the finger h is not positioned exactly in alinement with the path described by the projection g as the roller swings forwardly upon its arms f, but is so positioned that the pin 9 will first strike the inclined cam surface it", when the movement imparted to the roller by the tension on the stamp strip will cause it to ride upwardly, the light spring f supporting one end of the roller becoming bowed slightly to permit the pin 9 to pass to the rear side of the projection h, the spring then assuming its normal position and the roller 6 becoming interlocked with the lever 0, so that when the tension on the stamp strip is relieved the springs f, in returning the roller to its normal position will also carry the lever 0 with it. as shown in Fig. -5. The spring (Z which holds the lever c in its normal position, as shown in Fig. 4, is part of the spring f and is formed by splitting the latter for a portion of its length.

A stamp guideway formed as described, comprises means for clamping the strip when tension is imparted to its free end, and looking means, which is actuated by the stamp strip itself, to actually render the machine inoperative, these parts when thus operated providing an absolutely positive indication that a fraudulent attempt was made to remove the stamps. As these parts are all inclosed, it is impossible for the operator to restore the lever (2 to its normal position without removing the receptacle and guideway, which can only be detached by the release of the lock 20. When the guideway has been removed from the machine the roller 0 may be disconnected from the lever c by pressing upon the upper end of the latter while pressure is imparted to the roller by the operators finger.

It is obvious that deflecting or directing the free end of the stamp strip in a direction laterally of the movement of the feeding mechanism provides a certain amount of fullness or idle material between the ex tremity of the guideway and the feeding mechanism, which can be easily displaced by pulling the extremity of the stamp strip or tape. The yielding portions of the guideway constitute tensioning devices performing the function of holding the stamp strip in its normal position on the guideway during the time it is being fed forwardly by the fingers 48 or other feeding mechanism.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a stamp affixer, the combination with a stamp guideway and mechanism for feeding a stamp strip along said way and affixing it to an article, of arresting means cooperating with the stamp strip and adapted to be actuated thereby to lock the feeding mechanism when said stamp strip is displaced in the guideway.

2. In a stampaf'lixer, the combination with a stamp guideway and a reciprocatory feeding and affixing mechanismfor advancing a stamp strip along t-he'guideway into affixing position, of a locking mechanism cooperating with the stamp strip adapted to be set into operative position to lock the feeding and affixing mechanism by a pull exerted on the projected end of the stamp strip.

3. In a' stamp affixer, the combination with a stamp container, a stamp feeding mechanism, an affixing mechanism and means for directing a stamp strip from the container while itis advanced by the feedingmechanism into a position to be engaged by the affixing'member, of means for locking the feeding mechanism, said means cotiperating with the stampstrip. and adapted to be moved into operative position by tension applied to the stamp strip by pulling its free end projected into affixing position.

4. In a stamp afiixer, the combination witha holder adapted to contain a strip of stamps, a stamp feeding device and an affixing member reciprocating together, and means for guiding the stamp strip into operative position to be engaged by the feeding device and when advanced thereby to project its extremity into the path of the affixing member, of means for preventing movement of the feeding device and aflixing member, said means cooperating with the stamp strip and adapted to be adjusted into operative position by movement of the stamp" strip caused by tension imparted thereto when an attempt is made to draw it forwardly by pulling on its free end.

5. In 'a machine for affixing stamps to articles, the combination with a reciprocating af'lixing member and a feeding device movable therewith adapted to advance a stamp strip step-by step and project its free end into affixing position, of means for supporting a stamp strip in operative position relatively to the feeding device and directing its free end into the path of the affixing member, said supporting means being so arranged to guide the stamp strip that a tension applied to the free end of the stamp strip will displace it relatively to its normal position, and an arresting mechanism adapt may be displaced from its normal position 7 by a tensional pull, and a member adapted to be moved by the stamp strip when so displaced into a position to limit the movement of the affixing member and feeding device.

7. In a machine for affixing stamps to articles, the combination with an affixing member, a feeding device, and a stamp guideway arranged to support a strip of stamps in position to be engaged by the feeding device and having a laterally curved portion directing the free end of the stamp strip into the path of the affixing member, of an arresting mechanism comprising a device adapted to be moved into the path of the feeding device to limit its movement and a part cooperating with the stamp strip and which is actuated when the end of the stamp strip is displaced from its normal position on the curved portion of said guideway.

8. In a machine for afiixing stamps to articles, the combination with an affixing member, a feeding device, and a stamp guideway arranged to support a strip of stamps in position to be engaged by the feeding device and having a laterally curved portion directing the free end of the stamp strip into the path of the affixing member, of a pivoted lever having an end arranged to be moved into a position to arrest the feeding device and affixing member, and a member for setting the lever in operative position adapted to be actuated by the stamp strip when displaced out of its normal position on the guideway.

9. In a stamp affixer, the combination with an affixing member, a stamp strip feeding device and a guideway for supporting a stamp strip in operative position relatively to the feeding device and directing its extremity into the path of the affixing member, said guideway being arranged to provide a free portion of the stamp strip which may be displaced from its normal position by a tensional strain applied to the extremity of the stamp strip, of an arresting mechanism comprising an arresting member adapted to be moved into a position to limit the move ment of the affixing member and the feeding device, and also embodying a second member for actuating the arresting member which is adapted to be operated upon displacement of the stamp strip relatively to the guideway.

10. In a stamp affixer, the combination with an afiixing member, a stamp strip feeding device and a guideway for supporting a stamp strip in operative position relatively to the feeding device and directing its extremity into the path of the affixing member, said guideway being arranged to provide a free portion of the stamp strip which may be displaced from its normal position by a tensional strain applied to the extremity of the stamp strip, of a yieldingly supported setting member arranged in juxtaposition to the free portion of the stamp strip and adapted to be moved thereby when said strip is displaced, an arresting member adapted to limit the movement ofthe affixing member and feeding device, and a latch connection between the setting member and arresting member for causing the former to actuate the latter in returning to its normal position.

11. In a stamp affixer, the combination with an affixing member, a stamp strip feeding device and a guideway for supporting a stamp strip in operative position relatively to the feeding device and directing its extremity into the path of the affixing member, said guideway being arranged to provide a free portion of the stamp strip which may be displaced from its normal position by a tensional strain applied to the extremity of the stamp strip, of a setting member yieldingly holding the free portion of the stamp strip in its normal position, an arresting member for limiting the movement of the feeding device, which is normally held in an inoperative position, and a latch connection between the setting member and arresting member for causing the latter to be actuated into operative position by the setting member after said setting member has been actuated by the displacement of the free portion of the stamp strip relatively to the guideway.

12. In a stamp atfixer, the combination with an aflixing member, a device for feeding a stamp strip and a guideway for supporting a stamp strip relatively to the feed- .ing device having a laterally curved portion providing a free portion of the stamp strip and directing its extremity into the path of the affixing membeiyof a yieldingly movable lever having one end adapted to arrest the movemnt of the feeding device, a setting member yieldingly supported in juxtaposition to the curved portion of the guideway and adapted to be moved by the displacement of the free portion of the stamp strip and a latch connection between said setting member and the other end of said lever.

13. In a stamp aflixer, the combination with an affixing member, a feeding device and a stamp strip guideway adapted to support a stamp strip in operative position relatively to the feeding device and to discharge its extremity into the path of the aflixing member, said guideway having a portion imparting a lateral-curve to the stamp strip between its extremity and the feeding device which is free to be displaced relatively to the guideway when a pulling strain is imparted thereto, of means adapted to lock the feeding device and means for setting the locking means in operative position which is arranged to be actuated by the displacement of the stamp strip.

14. In a stamp affixer, the combination with an affixing member, a feeding device and a stamp strip guideway adapted to sup port a stamp strip in operative position relatively to the feeding device and to discharge its extremity into the path of the affixing member, said guideway having a portion extending laterally around which the stamp strip is fed, of means adapted to lock the feeding device and means for setting the locking means in operative position, said setting means normally engaging the stamp strip and directing it along the guide way and adapted to be actuated by the stamp strip when displaced relatively to the guideway.

15. In a stamp aflixer the combination with an affixing member, a feeding device and a guideway for supporting a stamp strip in operative position relatively to the feeding device and having a laterally curved discharge end for directing the free end of the stamp strip into the path of the affixing member, of an arresting member for locking the feeding device, a yielding member cooperating with the curved portion of the guideway to direct the stamp strip therealong which is adapted to be displaced by the displacement of the stamp strip relatively to said guideway and interlocking parts on the arresting and yielding members for causing the latter to set the former into locking position.

16. In a stamp atfixer the'combination with an affixing member, a feeding device and a guideway for supporting a stamp strip in operative position relatively to the feeding device and having a laterally curved discharge end for directing the free end of the stamp strip into the path of the affixing member, of a pivoted lever for arresting the feeding device which is normally supported in an inoperative position, a yieldingly supported roller engaging the stamp strip and normally pressed in a direction toward the guideway and interlocking members on the roller and lever for securing said parts when the roller is moved outwardly from the guideway and for causing the lever to be set in operative position upon return of the roller to its normal position.

17. In a stamp aflixer the combination with an aflixing member, a feeding device and a guideway for supporting a stamp strip in operative position relatively to the feeding device and having a laterally curved discharge end for directing the free end of the stamp strip into the path of the aflixing member, of a normally inoperative arresting member for limiting the movement of the feeding device, a stamp strip guiding member yieldingly supported and normally pressed in a direction toward the curved portion of the guideway and adapted to yield when the free end of the stamp strip is placed under tension and displaced relatively to the guideway, and interlocking members acting to secure the arresting member and guiding member together when the latter is moved away from the guideway and to cause said arresting member to be actuated when the guide member is allowed to return to its normal position.

18. In a stamp aflixer, the combination with an affixing member, a feeding device and a stamp strip guideway supporting a stamp strip in operative position to be en gaged by the feeding device having a curved portion around which the free end of the stamp strip is projected by the feeding device into the path of the aflixing member, of a stamp guiding member, spring arms normally\ pressing it toward the guideway to hold the stamp strip in engagement therewith and permitting it to yield when said strip is displaced therefrom by tension applied to its extremity, a locking device for limiting the movement of the feeding device which is normally in an inoperative posit-ion and cooperating parts on the stamp guiding member and the locking device adapted to interlock when the guiding mem ber is displaced to permit the spring supporting it to subsequently move the locking device into operative position.

19. In a stamp affixer, the combination with an affixing member,'a feeding device and a stamp strip guideway supporting a stamp strip in operative position to be engaged by the feeding device having a curved portion around which the free end of the stamp strip is projected by the feeding de vice into the path of the affixing member, of a roller, spring arms yieldingly pressing it in a direction toward the curved portion of the guideway, a pivoted lever, interlocking parts on the roller and one end of the lever adapted to connect the former to the latter when it is displaced relatively to the guideway and a finger on said lever for limiting the movement of the feeding device upon the movement of the lever.

20. In a stamp a'tfixer, the combination wit-h an affixing member, a feeding device and a stamp strip guideway supporting a stamp strip in operative position to be enstamp strip is projected by the feeding device into the path of the affixing member,

of a stamp guiding member, means yield ingly pressing it toward the guideway, a pivoted lever cooperating with said member when the latter is displaced relatively to the guideway and an adjustable finger on the lever movable into and out of the path of the feeding device.

21. In a stamp aflixer, the combination with an afiixing member, a feeding device and a stamp guideway supporting a stamp strip in operative position relatively to the feeding device and projecting its extremity into the path of the aflixing member,'said guideway having a part formed to provide a free portion in the stamp strip capable of being moved out of its normal position when tension is applied to its free end, of a brake member engaging the stamp strip, a lever for moving it to clamp said strip against the guideway, a yieldingly supported guiding member cooperating with the free portion of the stamp strip and said lever for moving the lever and setting the brake member when the free portion of the stamp strip is displaced relatively to the guideway.

22. In a stamp affixer, the combination with an afiixing member, a feeding device and a stamp guideway supporting a stamp strip in operative position relatively to the feeding device and projecting its extremity into the path of the affixing member, said guideway having a part formed to provide a free portion in the stamp strip capable of being moved out of its normal position when tension is applied to its free end, of a movable brake shoe overlying a portion of the guideway between which and said guideway the stamp strip is fed, a member for operating the brake shoe and a movable guide member cooperating with the free portion of the stamp strip and adapted to be moved by the displacement of the latter into engagement with the operating mem her to cause it to set the brake shoe and clamp the stamp strip in the guideway.

23. In a stamp affixer, the combination with an aflixing member, a feeding device and a stamp guideway supporting a stamp strip in operative position relatively to the feeding device and projecting its extremity into the path of the afiixing member, said guideway having a part formed to provide a free portion in the stamp strip capable of being moved out of its normal position when tension is applied to its free end, of movable brake shoes arranged at the sides of the guideway and cooperating with the 'with an affixing member, a feeding device and a stamp guideway supporting a stamp strip in operative position relatively to the feeding device and projecting its extremity into the path of the affixing member, said guideway having a part formed to provide a free portion in the stamp strip capable of being moved out of its normal position when tension is applied to its free end, of movable brake shoes arranged at the sides of the guideway and cooperating with the edges of the stamp strip, pivoted levers for operating the brake shoes, a movable guide member cooperating with the free portion of the stamp strip and adapted to be moved by the displacement of the strip relatively to the guideway into engagement with said levers and a projection on one of the levers adapted to cooperate with the feeding device to limit its movement.

25. In a stamp affixer the combination with an affixing member, a feeding device and a stamp guideway supporting a stamp strip in operative position relatively to the feeding device and projecting its extremity into the path of the aflixing member, said guideway having a part formed to provide a free portion in the stamp strip capable of being moved out of its normal position when tension is applied to its free end, of a yieldingly supported brake shoe engaging the stamp strip, a pivoted lever for operating it, a yieldingly supported guiding member cooperating with the free portion of the stamp strip and adapted to be moved by the displacement of the stamp strip relatively to the guideway, to actuate said lever, a latch connection between the lever and guiding member to rock the levenwhen said member is released, and a finger on the lever adapted upon the rocking of the member to limit the subsequent movement of the feeding device.

26. In a stamp affixer the combination with a movable affixing member, a holder for containing a strip of stamps, a guideway leading therefrom having a straight portion and a laterally curved end, and a feeding device cooperating with a stamp strip in the guideway, of frame side pieces inclosing the latter, a brake shoe extending along the straight portion of the guideway, a lever for operating it pivoted to one of the side pieces of the frame, and a yieldingly supported guiding roller cooperating with the curved portion of the guideway and adapted to operate the lever when moved away from said guideway.

27. In a stamp affixer, the combination with a movable affixing member, a holder for containing a strip of stamps, a guideway leading therefrom having a straight portion and a laterally curved end and a feeding device cooperating with a stamp strip in the guideway, of frame side pieces inclosing the latter, brake shoes overlying the straight portion of the guideway at opposite sides of the feeding device, separate levers for operating the brake shoes pivoted to the side pieces of the frame, and a yieldingly supported guiding roller cooperating with the curved portion of the guideway and adapted to operate the levers when moved away from said guideway.

28. In a stamp affixer the combination with an affixing member, a feeding device and a stamp strip guideway comprising a backing having a laterally curved end around which the stamp strip is projected providing a portion of the stamp strip which is free to be displaced when tension is applied to said strip, of a brake shoe forming a front portion on the guideway which is capable of tilting and having an end located relatively to the curved portion of the guideway adapted to be moved when the stamp strip is placed under tension to tilt its other end and clamp the stamp strip against the back of the guideway.

29. In a stamp affixer the combination with an affixing member, a feeding device and a stamp strip guideway comprising a backing having a laterally curved end around which the stamp strip is projected providing a portion of the stamp strip which is free to be displaced when tension is applied to said strip, of a brake shoe located in front of the backing between which and the backing a stamp strip may be fed having an end extending into proximity with the curved portion of the backing, a spring arm supporting the shoe, a lever having an adjustable abutment cooperating with the brake shoe and a member yieldingly engaging the stamp and adapted to be moved by it into a position to operate the lever.

30. In a stamp aflixer the combination with a frame, a reciprocating affixing member, a movable feeding device, a latch connection between it and the affixing member and a stamp strip guideway, of a detachable stop mounted on the frame and cooperating with the feeding device to limit its movement in feeding direction, the latch connection permitting the continued movement of the affixing member.

31. In a stamp aflixer, the combination with a frame, a reciprocating affixing memher, a feeding device moving therewith, and a stamp strip guideway, of a stop detachably supported on the frame and cooperating with the feeding device to arrest its movement and a latch connection between the feeding device and affixing member which is disengaged when the feeding device is arrested to permit the affixing member to move onwardly into affixing position.

32. In a stamp affixer, the combination with a frame having an open side, a reciprocating affixing member and a feeding device, of a stamp strip container and a guideway leading therefrom constructed as an integral part and closing the side of the frame, said guideway being arranged to support a stamp strip in operative position to the feeding device, and to discharge its extremity into the path of the affixing member and having a part arranged to provide a free portion of the stamp strip which may be displaced by a tensional pull on its extremity, means for locking the feeding device and means cooperating with the free portion of the stamp strip for setting said locking means in operative position when the stamp strip is displaced relatively to the guideway.

33. In a stamp affixer the combination with a frame, a reciprocatory shaft guided therein having an affixing member mounted thereon and provided with two spaced notches, of a reciprocatory feeding mechanism, a latch thereon cooperating with one of the notches to cause the feeding mechanism to move with the affixing member, a locking member on said mechanism adapted to cooperate with the other notch to hold the afiixing member in projected position and the feeding mechanism in retracted position.

34. In a stamp affixer, the combination with a reciprocatory shaft guided therein having an affixing member and provided with two spaced notches, a reciprocatory feeding mechanism and stops on theframe limiting its movement in opposite directions, of a latch on the feeding mechanism cooperating with one of the notches to move said mechanism with the afiixing member in one direction into engagement with one of the stops, a spring for moving said member in the opposite direction and carrying the feeding mechanism into engagement with the other stop, means for holding the feeding mechanism retracted in the last mentioned position while the affixing member is projected and a locking member mounted on the feeding mechanism and cooperating with the second notch to lock the parts in the positions described.

35. In a stamp handling mechanism, the combination with a stamp strip container, means for feeding a stamp strip and severing a portion of its extremity, a stamp strip guideway leading from the container hav' ing a portion cooperating with the feeding device and an end discharging at the point of severance and arranged to provide a free portion of the stamp strip capable of being displaced relatively to the guideway and means adapted to be actuated by said free portion of the stamp strip when displaced to prevent subsequent portions of the strip from being projected out of the guideway by the feeding devices.

BENNETT D. STRAIGHT.

Witnesses:

RUSSELL B. GRIFFITH,

G. WILLARD RICH.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents. Washington, D. C. 

